We help visionary leaders cultivate trust by creating space for open dialogue

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All of us hold back at work. After all, it’s hard to know how others will react when we share our true thoughts.

That’s why Hear Me Out starts with confidential one-on-ones at all levels: to break the cycle of doubt and self-censorship that keeps good cultures from becoming great ones.

Our team listens to everyone, from interns to executives. In the process, we create space for open dialogue that reveals blind spots, sparks insight, and builds mutual trust and respect.

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Our Founder

Ben’s experience spans product, design, technology, and people

Our founder, Ben Jackson, was the Director of Mobile at Vice Media, where he led the team that launched the VICELAND cable channel on iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Before that, he was the lead iOS engineer at The New York Times, where he helped launch the paywall that drives over 90% of subscriptions today.

Ben’s thoughts about workplace culture have appeared in many outlets, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Morning Brew, and Fast Company.

His projects have appeared in many others, including TechCrunch, The New York Times, Politico, Forbes, Vox, and New York Magazine.

Ben studied Computer Science and Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania, and is an Expert in Residence at Wharton’s Venture Lab.

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Our Mission

We’re determined to build workplaces where people actually hear each other

These days, work often feels like everyone's talking, but no one's listening. Our jobs look a lot like social media, with the loudest voices driving decisions that impact everyone.

But while viewing your workplace from multiple perspectives isn’t always easy, it’s the key to innovation and growth. All of us want to feel like our job matters, and like we matter, too. It’s why people who feel heard take more ownership of results.

Our goal is to help your team members view each other not just as coworkers, or even friends, but as valued partners.

Selected Clients
Peloton logo
Atlassian logo
Thoughtspot logo
Afresh logo
SuperHi logo
BrainPOP logo
Practice logo
Scripto logo
Swing-Left logo
Lob logo
Selected Press Clips

The Wall Street Journal

ChatGPT Can Save You Hours at Work. Why Are Some Companies Banning It?

By Lindsay Ellis, March 22, 2023

Though potentially a timesaver, there are serious risks to using ChatGPT to evaluate workers, said Ben Jackson, founder of Hear Me Out, a culture strategy firm. Employees might be unsettled, he said, if software-generated feedback becomes a factor in who is promoted or pushed out.

Morning Brew

To effectively mentor younger employees in remote or hybrid setups, companies need to be intentional and build trust, experts say

By Sam Blum, July 25, 2022

“One thing every employer forgets is that younger employees have a lot less confidence,” Ben Jackson, founder and principal of the workplace-culture consultancy Hear Me Out, told HR Brew.

The Atlantic

On the Front Lines of the Great Resignation

By Charlie Warzel, November 4, 2021

For the last year or so, I’ve had a monthly chat scheduled with Ben Jackson, who is a designer, researcher, and HR expert… In our chats, Ben has used his deep well of firsthand experience to help me understand what’s broken with work and how we can begin to apply some sustainable fixes.

Your team has the answers.
Let us ask the questions.

Don’t wait for an exit interview to learn what’s holding back trust.

Schedule a Call →

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Join our weekly office hours.

It’s free and confidential. We welcome founders, managers, HR leaders, or anyone working to promote a more sustainable culture.

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